Byron Donalds

The STARS Act of 2026 establishes the United States Space Academy as a new federal service academy under NASA to train future space professionals, including astronauts, engineers, operators, and civil servants. The bill mandates that the academy's permanent campus be located in Florida, with the NASA Administrator required to prioritize sites near Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and Patrick Space Force Base to maximize cadet training opportunities alongside active space operations. Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, NASA must submit a report to Congress identifying the specific Florida site, proposing an academic curriculum, determining service obligations for graduates, and providing construction and operational budgets along with an implementation timeline. The legislation authorizes open-ended appropriations for site acquisition, design, and construction, though no specific funding amount is specified in the bill itself. The academy would operate as a federal service academy similar to West Point or Annapolis, preparing cadets for careers in the space industry and national security space operations.

The Protecting Ratepayers Act would require all large data centers with power demands of 5 megawatts or higher to operate completely off the electrical grid and public water systems, effective 180 days after the bill becomes law. The requirement applies to both new data centers and those already in operation, forcing existing facilities to transition to self-sufficient power and water sources such as on-site generation or captive power plants. This legislation affects private companies and entities that own, operate, or maintain data centers, as well as those planning to build data centers within the next five years. The bill contains no specific funding allocations or budget authority but references a presidential proclamation on ratepayer protection that would gain the force of law under this legislation. The intent is to prevent data centers from drawing resources from public utility systems and placing strain on ratepayers' electric and water supplies.

The Tax Dollar Accountability Act would require states and local governments that receive federal money to provide the Comptroller General of the United States with access to their budget records, financial documents, contracts, and other materials needed to audit how federal funds are spent. States would have to grant this access within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year and then annually thereafter. If a state refuses to provide these records and documents, the federal government could withhold, suspend, or restrict federal funding to that state until it complies. The bill is designed to increase federal oversight of how states use taxpayer money and ensure proper accounting of federal grants and other funds flowing to state and local governments.

This bill allows Florida to take over federal wetland permitting authority without additional environmental review under the Endangered Species Act. Specifically, it deems Florida's compliance with an existing 2020 Fish and Wildlife Service biological opinion as automatic compliance with federal endangered species requirements, eliminating the need for further federal consultation on dredge and fill permits in the state. The legislation affects Florida's Department of Environmental Protection and developers seeking wetland permits in Florida, as well as any federally protected species that depend on Florida's wetlands. No specific funding or timeline is specified in the bill text. The measure essentially streamlines the permitting process by treating one pre-existing environmental analysis as sufficient to satisfy all federal environmental protections for this program going forward.

The Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026 directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear power plants. The agency must initiate a rulemaking process within 90 days of the bill's enactment to authorize this change, though it can maintain stricter standards if it determines that doing so is necessary to protect public health, safety, or national security. This legislation would affect nuclear power plant operators and construction companies by potentially reducing material costs and construction timelines for structures that do not directly impact reactor safety. The bill contains no specific funding appropriations or extended implementation timelines beyond the initial 90-day rulemaking requirement.

The Reform Immigration Through Biometrics Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to evaluate and report on U.S. Customs and Border Protection's progress in implementing an integrated biometric entry and exit system within 180 days of enactment. The report must assess how the system affects travel wait times, its effectiveness in combating terrorism and identifying visa violators, impacts on legitimate travel and trade, risks involved, and how biometric data matching currently works for departing travelers. The legislation also requires a separate assessment of data sharing with Canada under a 2011 border agreement and mandates that biometric collection cause minimal disruption to travel and cargo movement while serving national security purposes. The bill does not include specific funding or authorize new spending, focusing instead on oversight and evaluation of existing system implementation efforts.

The Defining Dealer Act amends federal securities law to establish a specific definition of "dealer" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A dealer would be defined as any person engaged in the business of buying securities from customers for their own account with intent to resell them elsewhere, and selling securities to customers that were previously purchased for the dealer's own account. The definition explicitly excludes most security-based swaps from this classification. The new definition takes effect 30 days after the bill becomes law. Additionally, the bill requires courts and the Securities and Exchange Commission to vacate any legal orders or judgments issued both before and after the law's enactment that would not have been entered under this new definition, with prior judgments to be vacated as soon as practicable and more recent ones within five years of enactment.

This bill modernizes federal housing appraisal standards by allowing state-licensed appraisers to conduct appraisals for FHA-insured mortgages, a role previously restricted to federally certified appraisers. The legislation requires appraisers to meet existing education and competency standards, including completing FHA-specific training courses approved by the federal government or state agencies. The Department of Housing and Urban Development must issue guidance implementing these changes within 240 days of enactment, with the new rules taking effect 180 days later. Additionally, the bill permits certified appraisers to work with trainee appraisers on assignments, authorizes the Appraisal Subcommittee to adjust registry fees for appraisal management companies, and establishes grants for workforce development programs in the appraisal industry through state agencies, nonprofits, and colleges. These changes aim to increase appraiser supply and expand training opportunities while maintaining quality and professional standards.

H.R. 5177 amends federal transportation law to require states to enforce specific provisions of Executive Order 14286 at commercial vehicle weigh stations. The bill mandates that sections 3 and 4 of this executive order—which deals with truck driver safety rules—be enforced whenever commercial motor vehicles pass through weigh stations. The legislation affects trucking companies and commercial drivers operating across state lines, as it standardizes safety enforcement at these inspection points. No specific funding amounts or implementation timelines are outlined in the bill text provided, though enforcement would fall to state authorities under federal oversight.

DC Criminal Reforms to Immediately Make Everyone Safe Act or the DC CRIMES ActThis bill limits the authority of the District of Columbia (DC) government over its criminal sentencing laws. The bill eliminates the DC government’s authority to enact any act, resolution, or rule to change any criminal liability sentence in effect on the date of the bill's enactment.The bill also (1) reduces the maximum age of a youth offender from 24 years to 18 years, and (2) repeals a provision that allows a DC criminal court to issue a sentence to a youth offender that is less than the mandatory minimum term otherwise required by law. A DC criminal court currently has the discretion to reduce or modify certain criminal sentences for a youth offender under specified circumstances. For example, a DC court may sentence a youth offender to probation in lieu of confinement. (However, this discretion does not apply to several specified violent crimes.) Additionally, the bill directs the Office of the Attorney General for DC to publish, and update monthly, certain youth offender crime data on a publicly accessible website.

This bill allows homeowners to deduct flood insurance premiums from their federal income taxes. Individuals can claim an "above-the-line" deduction for premiums paid on both government-backed flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood insurance policies, along with related fees and surcharges. The deduction is available only to taxpayers earning less than $200,000 annually (or $400,000 for joint returns), and it applies to tax years beginning after the bill becomes law. The provision is designed to reduce the financial burden of flood insurance costs for lower and middle-income homeowners in flood-prone areas.

H.R. 3667, the Strengthening American Nuclear Energy Act, converts four recent executive orders issued on May 23, 2025, into permanent federal law. The bill codifies orders addressing nuclear reactor testing reforms at the Department of Energy, the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security purposes, reforms to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and efforts to reinvigorate the nuclear industrial base. By converting these executive orders into legislation, the bill makes these nuclear energy policies binding law that cannot be easily reversed by future administrations. The bill affects the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, nuclear energy companies, and related industries involved in developing and manufacturing nuclear technology. No specific funding amounts or implementation timelines are detailed in the legislative text provided, as the bill primarily serves to formalize existing executive directives into statutory law.

The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive government-wide strategy to expand U.S. nuclear energy exports and global nuclear cooperation. The bill creates a White House Office of the Assistant to the President for International Nuclear Energy Policy and a Nuclear Exports Working Group to coordinate civil nuclear activities across federal agencies, develop a 10-year trade strategy, and support developing nations building nuclear programs through financing, training, and technology transfers. Key provisions direct the Secretary of State to negotiate cooperative agreements with at least five allied nations on advanced reactor development and the Secretary of Energy to promote U.S. nuclear technology exports to countries strengthening ties with Russia or China, with authority to waive certain competition restrictions. The legislation authorizes approximately $1.439 billion through fiscal year 2034 for a small modular reactor initiative to build competitive U.S. reactor technology and domestic supply chains, along with $15.5 million annually (2026-2030) for nuclear workshops and expert exchanges and $50 million annually (2026-2030) for State Department grants and advisory services to developing nations establishing nuclear programs.

The Wilderness Inclusion for Limited-use Drones Act of 2025 would amend federal wilderness protection laws to allow government agencies to operate unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in designated wilderness areas, potential wilderness areas, and wilderness study areas. The bill permits Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies to use drones for specific purposes including environmental monitoring and research (such as tracking harmful algal blooms and invasive species), law enforcement and search and rescue operations, and monitoring the effects of natural disasters. This represents a targeted exception to the traditional prohibition on mechanized equipment in wilderness areas, balancing environmental protection with practical management needs. The bill does not include specific funding or implementation timelines, and would apply immediately upon enactment to any government entity with jurisdiction in these protected areas.

This bill requires the Federal Reserve to increase the asset threshold that determines which bank holding companies qualify for simplified regulatory treatment under the "small bank holding company" policy. The legislation would raise this threshold from the current level to $25 billion in consolidated assets, allowing more mid-sized banks to benefit from reduced regulatory requirements. The change would affect bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies that fall below the new $25 billion threshold, potentially reducing their compliance costs and regulatory burden. The Federal Reserve would have 180 days from the bill's enactment to implement this change to its regulations. The bill does not include any direct federal funding provisions, as it focuses on adjusting existing regulatory frameworks rather than creating new spending programs.

Financial Freedom Act of 2025This bill prohibits the Department of Labor from limiting the type or range of investments that fiduciaries may offer participants and beneficiaries in certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. The bill applies to certain defined contribution plans that permit participants or beneficiaries to exercise control over the assets in the account, such as a 401(k) plan that allows participants or beneficiaries to select additional investment options through a self-directed brokerage window.

Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral Act or the CAPE Canaveral ActThis bill requires the headquarters of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to be relocated to Brevard County, Florida within one year of the bill’s enactment.

The Gift Accountability, Reporting, and Disclosures Act expands federal oversight of foreign gifts and decorations received by U.S. government employees, candidates for Congress and the presidency, and their relatives. The bill requires agencies to report gift information to both the Office of Government Ethics and the State Department by May 15 each year (moved up from January 31), and mandates public disclosure of these reports similar to financial disclosure filings. It also adds new restrictions, including prohibiting gifts from countries designated as concerns by the Secretary of State, and establishes a $200 late-filing penalty for employees who miss the May 15 deadline, though agencies can waive the fee for good cause. All federal agencies must implement these changes within 120 days of the bill's enactment, and the new requirements apply immediately to anyone currently required to file foreign gift statements.

Pre-Pilot Pathway Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish an apprenticeship program with flight training providers (e.g., flight schools) in order to establish a commercial pilot pipeline; DOT must issue any necessary regulations to implement the program within one year of the bill's enactment.Each flight training provider participating in the program may select up to eight applicants (or more applicants based on a determination by DOT) per academic year to serve as apprentices.DOT must take appropriate actions to develop methods to incentivize pilots, including retired pilots, to become flight school instructors, mentors, or program advisors at participating flight training providers. This includes developing pathway programs for pilots to gain initial qualifications or concurrent qualifications as certified flight instructors.Further, DOT must conduct an annual review of the apprenticeship program’s effectiveness, including the impact on addressing pilot shortages.

H.R. 2112 would convert a presidential executive order into federal law, making permanent the "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile" that was established by executive order on March 6, 2025. The bill essentially locks in the framework for the federal government to acquire and hold cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, as a national asset. This legislation would affect the Treasury Department and federal financial management, as it would formalize the government's authority to build and maintain digital asset holdings. The bill contains no specific funding amounts or timelines in its current form—those details would have been contained in the underlying executive order. By converting the executive order to law, Congress would prevent a future president from easily reversing the policy and would give the digital asset reserve statutory authority rather than relying solely on executive discretion.

H.R. 2111 would exempt premium cigars from federal tobacco regulations under the Food and Drug Administration's authority. The bill defines a premium cigar narrowly—requiring it to be handmade with whole tobacco leaf wrapper and binder, at least 50 percent long filler tobacco, no filters or flavorings beyond tobacco, and relatively heavy weight—and removes these products from federal tobacco product oversight. The bill primarily affects small, family-owned premium cigar manufacturers and retailers, who argue the industry represents only 1 percent of the cigar market with limited youth use and lower health risks than other tobacco products. The bill relies on findings from a 2022 National Academies of Sciences report suggesting premium cigar smoking poses fewer health consequences than other tobacco products because users typically smoke occasionally and do not inhale. No specific funding or timeline provisions are included in the legislation.

The America Supports Taiwan Act requires all federal agencies to use the term "Taiwan" instead of "Chinese Taipei" in their official communications and websites, with limited exceptions for historical context or international organization participation. The bill reflects congressional concerns about China's military buildup near Taiwan and the political symbolism behind the "Chinese Taipei" terminology, which Congress argues carries connotations of Chinese control over the island. Agencies must update their websites to comply within 14 days of the bill's enactment. The legislation reaffirms U.S. commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act to support Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and maintain regional stability. There is no specific funding allocated in the bill, as compliance primarily involves updating existing government communications and online materials.

Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief ActThis bill explicitly authorizes the President to declare that a major disaster exists when algal blooms cause damage sufficient to warrant federal major disaster assistance.

Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025 or the Make State Wildlife Action Plans Efficient Act of 2025This bill modifies the State Wildlife Grant Program (SWGP) to establish a deadline for the Department of the Interior to approve state wildlife conservation and restoration programs. Under the SWGP, Interior provides funding to state wildlife agencies to implement their comprehensive plans (commonly known as state wildlife action plans or SWAPs) for state wildlife conservation and restoration programs.The bill directs Interior to approve a state wildlife conservation and restoration program within 180 days after the date on which the state submitted its SWAP if Interior finds that the SWAP complies with the requirements of the SWGP. If Interior misses the deadline, the bill requires (1) the SWAP to be automatically approved, and (2) Interior to set aside amounts under the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account for the state.

Repeal CFPB ActThis bill repeals the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, which established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.